Adding a second domain to existing network for testing.

[KDT]

This is my first post here so hi all!

 

I just completed a computing degree which didn't involve much networking (a bit of subnetting and basic Cisco router config) and now I am an IT Technician in a school where everything is about networking so I know I need to read up on all of this but for the time-being I have a query to put to you.

 

If I were to add a second domain to a network, for test purposes, with two test DCs but no additional DNS or DHCP servers would this work at all, and would it work without interfering with the existing network.

 

My thinking was that the extra DCs would go unnoticed by everything except the machines that I add to its domain. As for IPs I think I'll just put my test machines on reserved DHCP IPs as this network uses a forked VLAN which is way beyond my current understanding.

 

If you're wondering why I have the free reign to do these things despite my ignorance then please don't, it's complicated...

 

Lastly, if anyone knows of any good, books, guides or whatever for beginners regarding networking (VLAN, forked VLAN, subnetting etc) then please point me in the right direction.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

[EDIT: I have the distinct feeling that I'm about to be crushed by the knowledge of many scolding veteran networking nerds. Go easy on me. ]

Edited December 5, 2012 by KDT
Additional Humour

[featured_spectre]

*breathes sharply through teeth like a plumber about to give an estimate*

 

Kidding!! It is doable but why not separate them completely for testing? That way if anything messes up, its not a big issue.

[KDT]

Ah, I meant to say, I don't really have to equipment to hand to do that. Also I'd like to be able to demo things across the vast site.

[twin--turbo]

Put the new servers on a static network addredd on a different subnet.

Put the clients on a static address on that subnet. ( point DNS at your new DC )

 

Should be fine as long as the NEW DC's don't have DHCP runnign.

 

Rob

[KDT]

Hi Rob, thanks for the reply.

 

I thought I might have to go down the subnet route. Having had another look at the (rather shoddy) documentation, I think I have identified a few spare subnets. Do you mean that I must create an entry in the existing DNS for the new DCs?

[featured_spectre]

If you want to keep them separate, input fresh DNS settings so that any current PC's don't get confused.

 

Check your current subnet for the DC's (they're probably 255.255.248.0 or 255.255.254.0)...if that's the case, make the test base 255.255.224.0 and work from there. Keep the IP range completely separate (if the network is in 10.x.x.x range, bump it to 192.168.0.x range) and do not whatever you do put DHCP on the new one. For testing, stick to manually inputted IP addresses. I learnt that for me personally, its best to do as above (though some may disagree with this, it is from personal experience)

[KDT]

The current DCs are in 10.x.x.129-158, there is a subnet marked as 'spare' in the 10.x.x.225-238 range also. I think the 192.168.0.x range is already occupied by switches in the server room.

[glennda]

The current DCs are in 10.x.x.129-158, there is a subnet marked as 'spare' in the 10.x.x.225-238 range also. I think the 192.168.0.x range is already occupied by switches in the server room.

 

that's not a spare subnet that's spares Ips in the same subnet.

[KDT]

They have different subnet masks... Maybe I understand this even less than I thought...

[glennda]

They have different subnet masks... Maybe I understand this even less than I thought...

 

What is the Subnet mask> 255.255.255.0?

 

10.x.x.129-158 are in the same Subnet as anything 10.x.x.0-255 if the Subnet mask above is used, you would have to have something like 172.16.x.x with a subnet of 255.255.255.0 for them not to be able to see each other without some kind of routing.

[KDT]

10.x.x.129-158 is 255.255.255.192 and 10.x.x.225-238 is 255.255.255.240.

[glennda]

10.x.x.129-158 is 255.255.255.192 and 10.x.x.225-238 is 255.255.255.240.

 

yes but are the other dc's configured with that subnet mask? or or are you just working that out from the amount of addresses?

[Davit2005]

What sort of testing are you trying to acheive.

[Dooms_Dave]

I set up a whole VLAN for my test network bit overkill but have the capacity. Why not just get Vmware workstation or ESXi and set up a lab if you want to play around with DCs DNS DHCP etc? my home lab is only 1HP 1U server 2xquad xeons and 72gb ram and that can run anything i throw at it. What sort of networking are you wanting to learn? if your unsure of IP's / subnets / vlans / acls / switching etc then setting up a domain isnt going to be a massive load of help at first. You could try the network+ course for a good intro into networking